Posted - November 06 2016 : 8:12:46 PM First, I realize "double action 1911" is an oxymoron - no such thing, but allow me to ask a question. I am not allowed to carry single action only, but really like the feel of the1911. Is there, or was there, a decent double action 1911? I know Para Ordnance made one, but they have a poor reputation. I think Colt once made a double action???

Thanks.

10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)

Jim Higginbotham

Posted - November 16 2016 : 10:33:53 AM If you shop around you can probably find a slightly used LDA pretty cheap.

I bought a brand new one some years back for $400. I bought it because I was planning on taking an instructors course at our state academy and at the time they did not allow SA autos.

I'm not exactly a huge fan of Para but I have to say, I have 4 of them and none have given me problems. I only have the one LDA.

It is a completely different critter and is a DA in name only - the lower half of the hammer (invisible from outside) is actually cocked and you are only drawing the upper half back with the very light trigger "slack" - when it is back you are then tripping the regular 1911 type sear and that drags the upper part forward.

It is a "gimmick" of sorts but then it was meant for the exact purpose you have in mind - to beat some silly rule that makes no sense in the first place. Ironically, I bet your outfit allows Glocks which are cocked (albeit 3/4 cocked) with essentially no safety.

One thing I don't care for in Paras is the ramped barrel that does not offer an advantage in a 1911 style gun (it might in guns with less of a slope to the ramp). That said, if they work they won't stop working and most of them do.

Colt did make a DA gun like a 1911 (it used the 1911 slide and barrel) but it was atrocious and died a justifiable death.

Seacamp did conversions on 1911s and a company, I think, called ODI Viking made a commercial version of the same - they too were atrocious with about a 20 lb DA trigger pull.

Best .45 DA guns I've seen available today are the CZ or the Tanfoglio copy.

Nanuk,I read somewhere that the better Para LDA was made in one location, but can't remember if it was Canada or the U. S. Just recall reading that the quality changed.

Thanks

Nanuk

Posted - November 11 2016 : 12:23:47 AM Para LDA

Sigger

Posted - November 10 2016 : 9:38:14 PM Thanks for the information. I found the SFS. Looking at the Para LDA.

garrettwc

Posted - November 07 2016 : 6:43:59 PM The DA/SA offerings from HK (HK45 & USP 45) are probably the closest thing to a 1911 double action pistol that is currently offered.

exfed2002

Posted - November 07 2016 : 3:53:16 PM

quote:Originally posted by Ace

I'd tell you the name and company, but I don't remember right now. Ace

The SFS system. You can get it for the HP or the 1911 from Cylinder and Slide or Brownell's.

I have one on both my HP and my Gold Cup. They work great. And no change to the manual of arms for normal carry options. And no discomfort about carrying in a holster without a safety strap.

miragetex

Posted - November 07 2016 : 11:05:58 AM I have an irrational attraction to the Para light double action pistols. They do indeed have a "poor reputation," and sometimes with good reason, but my experience is that those that work, continue to work, and those that don't work sometimes can't be made to work. I went through several before I landed on a .45 LDA that has been Ruger-like reliable. The LDA trigger feels like the smoothest revolver trigger ever, and I grew up on revolvers so maybe that's why I like it so much. I can't say I like it more than a "real" 1911 SA trigger, but if you can't carry a single action only pistol, it's the best game in town. Para made many variations of size, caliber and capacity, so there should be one that meets your needs out there. But reliability is king, and you may have to kiss a few frogs to find a Para that always works.

Vanman

Posted - November 07 2016 : 06:08:36 AM Colt made the Double Eagle and the Double Eagle Mark II. They were based on the 1911. I see them on Gun Broker from time to time, in fact there is a Commander size listed now ending later today.

Craig

Posted - November 07 2016 : 12:34:52 AM Have you looked at the CZ 97 B?

Ace

Posted - November 06 2016 : 10:23:41 PM Don't know about any currently manufactured DA 1911-types, but there is an after-market safety out there that lets you carry hammer down, then when you drop the safety, it cocks the hammer and ready to fire. Doesn't turn it into true double-action, but does mitigate the unreasonable silly fear in those who are scared by a cocked hammer. I'd tell you the name and company, but I don't remember right now. Ace